Urban Design Review Commissions | July 15, 2026

The City of Columbia's Urban Design Review Commission held a meeting on July 15, 2026, primarily to review a development proposal at 825 Main Street within the Downtown Columbia overlay district. The project involves demolishing an existing building and constructing a three-story mixed-use building to house offices and event spaces for the Baptist Collegiate Ministry, along with surface parking expansions in two phases. Staff presented detailed design guidelines and recommended approval with conditions including landscaping, streetscape elements, and signage review. The applicant addressed staff comments, particularly regarding canopy placement and entrance design, and agreed to most recommendations except for canopies over all windows. The commission discussed design details, lighting, and tree planting methods, and received a public comment regarding bike rack styles. Ultimately, the commission voted unanimously to approve the project with staff recommendations except for the full canopy installation. Additionally, a vice chair was elected during other business.